Claims for benefit payments for endometriosis across the UK have risen over the last five years, despite figures showing less than half of these claims are approved.
In 2024, there were 947,000 claims for personal independence payments (PIP) for endometriosis, with only 53% of these new claims being awarded benefits, according to data from the DWP.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition affecting one in ten women in the UK, where cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus grow elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms include worsened period pains, heavy bleeding and severe abdominal and pelvic pain.
PIP is a benefit available to people who are considered, according to the Equality Act 2010.
To qualify for the payment, a person must have a substantial condition, meaning that it has impacted every-day life for at least three months.
Izzy, 24, was diagnosed at 16 after experiencing periods so heavy she often fainted from the blood loss.
She said: “There are days when the cramping is so painful I can’t move. My whole body is numb and even basic tasks such as eating become nearly impossible.”
Izzy claims her endometriosis has a significant effect on her financial situation, with days where she has to call in sick to work as her pain leaves her bed-bound.
Despite this, Izzy says she was denied PIP payment for endometriosis after failing a London assessment centre, aimed at judging how the condition affects everyday life tasks.
Face-face assessments for PIP eligibility take place at these assessment centres, where health professionals ask questions about the candidate’s general ability to undertake everyday tasks such as eating, showering and moving around.
She said that on hearing the news of her denied application, the overwhelming feeling was disappointment as for her, endometriosis was a disability just like any other.
According to a 2020 inquiry by Endometriosis UK, a criticism highlighted by women attending PIP assessment is that assessors lack the basic knowledge about the condition, leading to what they feel are inaccurate assessments and women being denied PIP on the basis that they ‘do not qualify’.
Others believe the assessment does not take into account the fluctuating nature of endometriosis, as women are assessed on a single day where symptoms might be less severe in comparison to the rest of the month.
In particular, endometriosis tends to flare up during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “Those with endometriosis symptoms shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job, having to change career, or feel restricted in the types of work they can do.
“Symptoms vary person to person, from mild or no symptoms to very severe.
“We need employers to understand endometriosis and overcome myths and embarrassment about periods and menstrual health.”
The government department published it’s first comprehensive review of the PIP assessment in a decade in June, collaborating with MPs and disabled people.
Through the review, they say they aim to deliver better experiences and PIP outcomes for those struggling with health conditions and disabilities, such as endometriosis.
In London, between 2011-2021, out of the three and a half million people showing alleged symptoms of endometriosis, only 1% of these claims were granted a diagnosis.
In terms of new claims for endometriosis related to PIP, Croydon is the London borough with the most, with 38,000 people claiming.
This makes up 7% of endometriosis PIP claims made by London residents.
Kingston and Richmond are the two boroughs with the fewest new claims for PIP, with just over 17,000 combined.
When approached for a comment, the DWP said: “We’re overhauling healthcare so women with endometriosis get the support they need, when they need it, with an extra £26 billion invested in the NHS.
“As set out in the Green Paper, we have also launched a review of the PIP assessment to ensure it is fit for the future and we will work with disabled people and key organisations representing them to consider how best to do this as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”
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